September 21, 2012

Speechwriters: So close to power, so little of it

Head of VITAL SPEECHES OF THE DAY David Murray decries the kiss-and-tell folks in Mitt Romney's speechwriting loop. Any professional in executive communications would. We are well paid, have interesting work, and bear witness to history being made. In return, the implicit agreement is that, to use that crude phrase, we "know our place."

That place is to be the worker bee. We assist those with power protect that position. We have none of our own power, except that which comes through talent. Because of that talent, and if we know our place, we will be able to move on to another lucrative position when the current one is over.

Blabbermouth executive communications staff have identified too closely with the powerful. They assume they have the limelight in their own right and want to intensify it through coverage in the media. Sure the media will oblige. A source is a source. But, like most victims of media attention which never should have been, those featured carry tarnished brands. Trust is over.